ITV profits back in black after break

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ITV said its performance had been helped its own productions such as Downton AbbeyGiles Keyte

Deirdre Hipwell

Last updated at 9:46AM, February 29 2012

With a little help from the Dowager Countess of Grantham, ITV has turned
around its act. A string of blockbusters, including Downton Abbey, have
helped it to dig its way out of a financial hole.

Three years ago ITV was deep in the red, cancelling shows and contemplating
the sale of assets as it struggled with a £730 million debt. But the
broadcaster has fought its way back to health, delivering a 13 per cent
surge in 2011 profits yesterday to £462 million.

Althought ITV’s biggest on-screen hit, Downton Abbey, was made by a
third-party production house, the broadcaster has